AKFO wrote:Dogen wrote:In Romeo’s favor, I thought his defense on KD was more effective than just about anyone else on the team. He either needs a chance to put it all together this year, or just be moved.
Seems like Brad isn’t in the move for another development season. Sink or swim starts with training camp.
Yeah I don't think Langford will have too much to worry about. I think the top 7 of our rotation (plus Kanter in the C rotation some nights) is set, and that Udoka will give 2-4 of the Nesmith Pritchard Langford Grant Hernangomez group rotation minutes each night. Nesmith and Pritchard could separate themselves as every-day players, but keep in mind Langford was ahead of Pritchard in the rotation as recently as last year's playoffs. Even if Nesmith and Pritchard play every day, there would still be available minutes (if Horf isn't playing too much pf). Langford is a good practice player from what I hear so I don't think he'll be forgotten about or abandoned; there will be opportunities to try and tap into his potential. Nevermind that injuries are inevitable and there will be holes in the rotation before we know it.
I actually think Langford is closer to being a legit 3 and D player than a lot of us think, and that's with potential to improve and make an impact in other areas. He shot 38% on 5.3 3pa's per game over the last 3 games of the playoffs, and in 3 Summer League games he shot 39% on 4.3 3pa's per game (less minutes). Just the fact that he's been taking these shots at a high clip is very encouraging, and something we didn't begin seeing until last year's playoffs. Add in his first full offseason as well. Emerging as a 3&D type player will allow Romeo to stay on the floor and begin to display the other aspects of his game.
I'm glad the C's are not giving up on players too early, and we need to keep in mind that Romeo is still the youngest player on the team (about a week younger than Nesmith).
The guy I really wanted in that draft ahead of Romeo was Sekou Doumbouya. Now Sekou is in Brooklyn, basically part of the deal to get DJ out of Brooklyn. So even on a young team like Detroit they already gave up on a 20 year old with potential. I prefer that Boston give Langford another year to put it together. His shot was looking better so we'll see how it goes. I think a lot of the moves this summer are with an eye to next year's FA class so Langford may have a chance to stick or possibly showcased for a trade.
He has a full offseason now, as you say, so this could be a breakout season for him. 3 and D, and he's got pretty decent handles too.
